A six-year-old boy tragically lost his life during a robbery at a McDonald’s restaurant in Meadowdale on Friday.

The Bedfordview SAPS confirmed that the boy was declared dead at a hospital in Primrose following the incident, which occurred shortly after 22:00, Bedfordview and Edenvale News reports.

According to police spokesperson Lillian Modiga, the robbers initially placed an order at the drive-through but cancelled it moments later.

One of the robbers then climbed through the drive-through window, allegedly demanding money while threatening staff.

A second robber followed and allegedly fired a shot inside the restaurant. The pair took the cash register box before fleeing.

The getaway driver, who remained in the car, noticed another vehicle behind them in the drive-through.

Armed with a firearm, he allegedly confronted a family – a husband, wife, and their young son – and robbed them of their belongings.

“As the family tried to reverse and drive away, the robber fired another shot. It was only after they arrived home that they realised the child had been struck,” Modiga said.

The boy was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

No arrests have been made, and the case remains under investigation.